“The true republic–men, their rights and nothing more; women, their rights and nothing less.” Susan B. Anthony’s motto for The Revolution shows that 19th century suffragettes grasped what many well-meaning citizens and activists today don’t.

As America’s special interest groups clamor for their own set of rights, they contradict the very principle upon which those rights exist and undermine the freedom of all Americans. Both sides of the political spectrum are shooting bullets that could ricochet right back at them.

During the heat of the Republican primary race, the poster child for this contradiction was conservative GOP hopeful Rick Santorum, who was traveling the nation on the “Faith, Family, Freedom Tour” and “building an America that believes in you”—that is, as long as you agree with him.

Santorum and conservative Republicans rally around the idea of freedom of religion. The Faith & Freedom Coalition, an oxymoron in name and principle, declares support for “Free markets and free minds to create opportunity for all,” while simultaneously declaring “Respect for the sanctity and dignity of life, family, and marriage as the foundations of a free society”–meaning, of course, they oppose a woman’s reproductive rights as well as rights for gays to raise children or marry. Though they declare a goal to “Protest bigotry and discrimination against people of faith,” they are adamant in their bigotry and discrimination against gays. This is not freedom.

In protesting the Obama administration’s attempt earlier this year to mandate contraception coverage in employer-funded insurance policies, religious groups declared–and rightfully so–that they shouldn’t have to pay for medical interventions that are contrary to their beliefs. Yet while they clamor for this freedom, social conservatives also insist that their belief in God should be promoted in everything from public schools to money.

These “freedom-loving” people want to keep gays from marrying or openly serving in the military. They want to undermine LGBT progress by fomenting hatred for gays among other minority groups. While Republicans in Virginia argue against government-run healthcare, they force women in the Commonwealth to undergo an ultrasound before taking a legally allowed action, and then later argue that conservative taxpayers shouldn’t have to pay for it.

The Southern Baptist Convention recently elected its first black president–an unprecedented move for an organization founded to defend slavery. The Wall Street Journal quoted Duke Divinity School historian Timothy Tyson, who understated that the denomination has “not been renowned for tolerance” in recent decades, “so this is an important moment for the Southern Baptist Convention and for Christianity in America.” Important, perhaps, but not deeply meaningful, as the denomination continues to be intolerant of gays: one day after electing a black president, Southern Baptists were united in their refusal to acknowledge that gays have “civil rights.” They declared that gays and lesbians lack the “distinguishing features of classes entitled to special protections”–ignoring that gays are not looking for special protections, merely equal rights.

Whose “freedoms” are conservatives fighting for? Their battles are based on their own religious beliefs, a fight they can win as long as they are in power–but a fight that could turn against them if power is based only upon having a majority. After all, what if Muslims became the majority, whose prayer would receive voice in public forums? Conservatives are not fighting for individual rights. They are not fighting for the principle that can benefit all Americans, no matter who is in power.

Unfortunately, conservatives don’t have a corner on the contradiction market. Santorum co-sponsored the Workplace Religious Freedom Act in 2005, which would force employers to accommodate employees’ religious observances or tenets. That bill that won liberal support, including senators Hillary Rodham Clinton and Ted Kennedy. Both sides were willing to give specific rights to religious employees (God forbid you’re an atheist) and take rights from employers.

Like many Republicans, Democrats often have a skewed grasp of who deserves to have their rights upheld.

For example, the long-standing liberal program, affirmative action, promotes racial minorities and women at the expense of white males. The alleged right of non-smokers to enjoy a smoke-free restaurant meal violates the right of restaurateurs to make decisions about the businesses they own and operate.

Recently, Virginia’s social liberals fought conservatives over whether or not private adoption agencies could refuse to place children with gay families.

On one side were the conservative Christian groups that run many adoption agencies, who don’t want to be forced to violate their moral principles.

On the other side are the gay rights activists, who point out that allowing discrimination will deprive children who are awaiting adoption the chance to join a loving family. They point to research that indicates that same-sex parents are every bit as competent and loving as straight parents. Though those arguments are quite valid, the desire to use force to affect change, based upon their own beliefs, undermines the principle upon which all rights, including gay rights, rest.

In fighting for their side in this issue, gay rights activists are not only overlooking the principle of individual rights for all—even bigots—they’re also overlooking the potential ramifications of abrogating the rights of those they disagree with. If you can use the law to limit the freedom of your opponents today, your freedoms may be on the line tomorrow. If the government can decide what criteria a private agency must use, a conservative government could force a gay-supporting agency to place a gay teenager with a conservative Christian family who will “convert” him from his evil ways. The government could force an agency that believes in gender equality to place a baby girl with a radical Muslim family that would teach her she was less important than a man.

The principle of individual rights can be challenging to apply, as we often have to allow others to act in ways we dislike. Yet as long as they aren’t violating the individual rights of another, they should be free to act. This is the standard upon which freedom rests, a freedom that gives equal rights to all. This is the standard that works long-term for building an America that believes in everybody.

Fortunately, gays are fighting not for special privileges, but equal freedoms. Fortunately, we have recent victories to celebrate, including the first-ever presidential support for gay marriage and the federal appeals court decision deeming the Defense of Marriage Act unconstitutional. Fortunately, public support for gay marriage is increasing. But remember, majority opinion does not equate to what’s right, should not determine the laws of our country, and is unquestionably subject to change.

We will continue to fight, and I am confident we will continue to gain the freedoms we deserve. After all, in our constitutional republic, everyone is equal–nothing more, nothing less.

Annie Tobey is a freelance writer and editor living in Richmond, Virginia. For six years, she’s shared her philosophical passions through V Magazine for Women, combining love for life, the diversity of women, and a celebration of success in all its forms, on the printed page and online, now at www.MyVMagazine.com. She also shares her joie de vivre as a travel writer at www.ActiveWomanTraveler.com. She welcomes freelance opportunities for writing and editing, helping businesses present a polished written message that builds a quality brand. Contact her at annie.tobey@ccink.net.

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